TWI423775B - Oral care implement having a liquid collection system - Google Patents

Description

Oral health device with liquid collection system

The present invention relates to an oral health device, and more particularly to a toothbrush having a liquid collection system.

Brushing is part of everyday oral hygiene activities. Proper oral care involves regular flossing, brushing, and dental checkups. Dentists generally recommend that individuals brush their teeth at a minimum interval of two minutes, such as two minutes, each time they clean. Despite these recommendations, many people, especially young children, do not regularly brush their teeth at the recommended minimum intervals. These habits are often attributed to their perception of brushing as a secular obligation that lacks a level of fun. The only feedback an individual has on their dental efforts is usually a dental checkup at the time of the dental visit. Unfortunately, there is sufficient time between examinations to cause problems with bad dental habits. For example, gingivitis, periodontal disease and many other problems may increase if the tooth cleaning habits are not corrected in time.

The present invention relates to an oral health care appliance having a collection system for oral fluids.

In one aspect, an oral care implement includes an oral care zone having an oral member with a reduced or shortened thickness during use; a reservoir for retaining an oral fluid; a receptacle; Fluidly coupled to the oral member to receive an oral fluid; and a fluid path that is conducted to the receiver to provide oral fluid to the reservoir. In a possible embodiment, the oral member can be made of a conventional hydrogel material that can expand during use.

In another aspect, an oral care implement includes a reservoir for retaining an oral fluid; and a multi-layer collection member including a layer that is abraded during use to expose a marking layer, the marking layer Indicate when the reservoir should be provided to analyze the collected oral fluid.

In still another aspect, an oral care device has a head containing a dentifrice element and a reservoir for storing an oral fluid. A capillary passage formed by a fibrous material, ceramic, porous plastic, or a combination thereof extends through at least a portion of the appliance to receive oral fluid from one or more inlets.

In the following description, the present invention is discussed in terms of a toothbrush (e.g., a form of an oral care implement), but may be in the form of other personal care implements. Also, it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

1 through 2 illustrate an oral health device, such as a toothbrush, generally designated by the numeral 100. The toothbrush 100 generally includes a head 101 and a handle 103.

The handle 103 is summarized as an elongate member having dimensions that allow a user to easily grasp and manipulate the toothbrush 100. The handle 103 can be formed from many different shapes, lengths, and in a variety of different configurations. In one configuration, the handle 103 has a neck portion 105 that is positioned adjacent the head 101. The neck portion 105 can be a narrow region on the handle 103 between the head 101 and the handle portion that is typically held by the user. However, the neck portion 105 can be the region between the head 101 and the grip portion that is typically held by the user. In another configuration, the grip 103 is integrally formed with the head 101. Although the head is generally widened relative to the neck of the handle, it may simply be a continuous extension or narrowing of the handle in a partial configuration. It is also possible to have other attached configurations.

The head 101 can include an oral care zone that includes one or more denture elements 111. The term "clean teeth element" or "cleaning element" as used herein includes commonly used or suitable for providing oral health benefits by contact with teeth and gums (eg, tooth cleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whitening, massage, irritation). Etc.) Any type of structure. Such dentifrice elements include, but are not limited to, hard tufts that can be formed into several different shapes and sizes, and elastomeric cleaning elements that can be formed into several different shapes and sizes, or both hard tufts and elastomeric cleaning elements. A combination.

In one configuration, the denture element 111 is formed from a plurality of bristles. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the denture elements 111 are bristles having different shapes, however, it is understood that several different configurations of oral health appliances are available. One or more denture elements 111 can be attached to the head 101 by conventional methods, such as being fitted within a recess formed in the head 101 along a front portion 107 of the toothbrush 100 (as shown in Figure 1).

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a toothbrush 100 having a collection member 200 and a reservoir 155 for storing an oral fluid medium, such as a mixture of saliva and/or saliva and dentifrice. In various configurations, the reservoir 155 can be disposed in the neck portion 105 of the toothbrush 100 or at the distal end of the toothbrush grip 103.

A fluid path 140, such as a capillary passage, extends generally in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush 100 to deliver oral fluid from at least one inlet 150 to the reservoir 155. The passage 140 draws liquid from the inlet 150 to the reservoir 155 by capillary action. The capillary passage 140 is generally outlined as having a capillary structure. In one configuration, the passageway 140 is in the form of a porous material. Examples of porous materials include fibrous materials, ceramics, and porous plastics such as those available from Porex Technologies of Atlanta, Georgia. An example of a fibrous material is an acrylic material known as Model C10010 available from Teibow Hanbai Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. A mixture of porous and/or fibrous materials having a larger and smaller capillary distribution can be provided. The passage 140 can be formed from a plurality of small capillaries connected to each other or a larger single capillary.

It will be appreciated that the collection in reservoir 155 can be analyzed for periodontal gum disease, gingivitis, plaque, bad breath (odor), or any other oral or general physical condition or condition that can be detected by the user's mouth. Oral fluid (such as a fluid sample). The health aspects analyzed by the laboratory may include aspects of poor health (such as the presence of a disease, such as by the presence of a pathogen or the presence or absence of another chemical) and/or a level of good health. (For example, specific flavanoids appear, indicating the activity of the outlet gas freshener). Good health and poor health aspects can include, but are not limited to, good and bad oral health. Adverse oral health aspects may include, for example, levels associated with oral disease or an adverse oral health habit that is recognized or otherwise recognized by the American Dental Association. Similarly, a good oral health profile can include, for example, the level associated with the lack of such oral diseases, or the oral health habits accepted by the American Dental Association. In some embodiments, a separate reservoir 155 can be provided for the collected saliva.

As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the collection member 200 includes a first layer 210 of a water-insoluble porous material such as a resin. Examples of suitable materials for the first layer 210 can include fibrous materials, ceramics, and porous plastics such as those available from Porex Technologies of Atlanta, Georgia. The water insoluble material generally maintains the structure of the collecting member 200. Layer 210 of porous material can include a portion of head 101. The collection member 200 can be secured to or within at least one surface of the head 101 or to a pelvis in the head 101.

A second layer 214 is positioned on the first layer 210. The second layer 214 is provided in an abradable configuration so that it can be eroded by mechanical abrasion during use of the toothbrush 100, or it can be formed from a water soluble material to dissolve in the oral cavity. In one configuration, the second, outer layer 214 can comprise a water soluble polymer (such as polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, or polyvinyl alcohol). However, other non-toxic polymers with controlled water solubility can be used in the toothbrush. Please note that the polymer used in outer layer 214 should have low solubility to allow it to slowly dissolve during multiple uses. In these configurations, the collection member 200 has a first thickness that is reduced or shortened during use to a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. In certain embodiments, the outer layer 214 can have a porous nature to allow fluids (such as saliva and/or water) in the oral cavity to be transported to the underlying first layer 210 on a continuous basis during use for collection in the reservoir 155. In other embodiments, the outer layer 214 can be non-porous to allow fluid to collect in the oral cavity only once the layer 214 is removed or dissolved. In still other embodiments, the outer layer 214 can be porous and also wear or dissolve over time.

The two layers 210, 214 can be fabricated by conventional manufacturing techniques such as injection molding or extrusion. Alternatively, in an extruded configuration, one layer can be extruded and then another layer can be thermoformed/compressed molded or laminated to the extruded layer.

In one configuration, when the collection member 200 contacts water, saliva, or a chemical in the mouth, the outer layer 214 erodes and a region of the toothbrush 100 is exposed by the eroded portion of the outer layer 214. When the outer layer 214 is etched away as a result of repeated use, it not only exposes the layer 210, but in some embodiments it also exposes the indicia 120 on the bottom layer 220 indicating when the toothbrush 100 has been collected in the reservoir 155 and A predetermined amount of oral fluid sufficient to perform a laboratory analysis is stored and thus should be returned by the user or sent to a laboratory for testing/evaluating the oral fluid stored in the reservoir 155. In some embodiments, the indicia 120 can be a visible color that draws the user's attention to the layer 220 and signals or displays the amount of useful life remaining in the toothbrush 100 and/or tells the user when the toothbrush 100 is ready. For testing. For color indications to be added or replaced, the indicia 120 can be a message that tells the user. For example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the indicia 120, 120' can be alphanumeric elements such as, but not limited to, "TEST" or "SEND FOR TEST." Alternatively, the indicia 120 can be a graphical symbol or icon. The symbolic level is particularly advantageous in providing an oral health appliance that can be used in multiple social geographic areas without translating text into different languages. It will be appreciated that any suitable color, number or graphical indicator, or a combination thereof can be used.

The collection member 200 can also function as a wear indicator to clearly instruct the toothbrush user to hand over the toothbrush for healthy screening or testing of the collected oral fluid. Member 200 can be strategically located around head 101. The collection member 100 will provide a notification to the user when the toothbrush is ready. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the collection member 200 is shown in the shape of a prism and is positioned on a surface on the head 101 opposite the surface containing the cleaning element 111, which can be used for saliva and or other The collection oral fluid is delivered more efficiently into the inlet 150 into the fluid path 140. However, this exemplary shape and location is not limiting. The collection member 200 can have any suitable shape and be positioned on any suitable surface of the toothbrush 100 that is preferably viewable by a user and provides oral health benefits.

The inlet 150 can be configured to allow oral fluid to pass through one of the nonwoven mats, films, or other structures. Examples of materials that can be used for the inlet include porous plastics and other porous materials, such as those described below with reference to capillary passages 140. In one configuration, the inlet 150 can reside on a surface that is generally opposite the head 101 that is opposite the surface of the denture element 111.

When the collection member 200 is provided for the toothbrush 100, the inlet 150 can be incorporated into the first layer 210. The second layer 214 can be provided in an abradable configuration and can gently remove microflora and other debris from the tongue and other soft tissue surfaces within the mouth. The tongue is particularly susceptible to bacterial coatings known to hide organic organisms and debris that can cause bad breath. This microbiota can be found in the recess between the papillae on most of the upper surface of the tongue and along the surface of other soft tissues in the mouth. When engaged or otherwise pulled against a tongue surface, for example, the tissue cleaning tab or member 217 disposed on the second layer 214 in some embodiments can be gently engaged with the soft tissue while simultaneously reaching down In the concave part of the adjacent milk of the tongue. The projections can have a variety of different shapes, such as frusto-conically elements, and other shapes that are pushed to a narrow end and thus resemble a cone. Alternatively, the tissue cleaning element 217 can have other shapes, such as a linear ridge. In other possible configurations, the inlet 150 can be positioned within the field of the denture element 111.

In certain embodiments shown in FIG. 9, the tissue cleaning element 217 can extend completely through the layers 214, 210 and be coupled to the tooth cleaning element 111 and/or formed as an integral part of the tooth cleaning element, or alternatively, The tissue cleaning element 217 can be anchored in the material adjacent the front surface 107 that supports the head 101 of the tooth cleaning element 111. These configurations may be beneficial if the layer 214 is made of a material that is scheduled to be abraded or dissolved over time to prevent dislocation of the tissue cleaning element 217 into the user's mouth.

A plurality of inlets may be provided on the surface of the head 101 containing the denture elements and on the opposite surfaces of the head, such as to collect oral fluid in different areas of the mouth. A plurality of inlets 150 can be connected to the reservoir 155 from a single fluid path passage 140 on the opposite side of the head 101.

The reservoir 155 can be formed from a suitable material and formed in a voided container configuration. Alternatively, the reservoir 155 can include a reticulated foam in the void space of the container, which can be hydrophilic. Other examples of materials for use in the sump 155 include ceramics and porous plastics.

The capillary passage 140 can be press fit into an opening in the handle 103, or alternatively, the handle 103 can be overmolded around the capillary passage 140. In a multiple capillary configuration, the capillary passage 140 generally provides a path through which air can enter the otherwise closed reservoir 155. The finer capillary tubes of passage 140 transfer fluid from inlet 150. The larger capillary allows air to enter the reservoir 155. In general, air can enter through at least the largest capillary in the passage.

In an alternative configuration shown in FIG. 8, the toothbrush 100 can include a brush segment A and a removable reservoir segment B joined to each other by, for example, a threaded engagement, a snap fit, or the like. The reservoir section B can be disposable, refillable, and/or interchangeable with other reservoir sections B. Alternatively, the reservoir section B can be replaceable, such as by inserting a replaceable reservoir 155 into a recess in the toothbrush. The crucible may be spring loaded to remain in place after insertion and/or may have a seal to prevent undesirable leakage of oral fluid. Alternatively, the reservoir 155 can be placed in a neck position of the toothbrush 100. In some possible embodiments, the fluid collection system described herein can be incorporated into an electrodynamic toothbrush. In still other embodiments of the electric toothbrush, the toothbrush grip and/or the recharging substrate can incorporate diagnostic circuitry that can be triggered by the presence and detection of markers present in the oral fluid collected by the toothbrush 100 (eg, docking and playback) ). To this end, the fluid collection system described herein is not limited to application only to manual toothbrushes.

It is to be understood that the invention has been described by way of illustrations Other aspects, advantages, and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt;

100. . . Oral health equipment (toothbrush)

101. . . head

103. . . Grip

105. . . Neck section

107. . . The front portion

111. . . Toothed component

120,120’. . . mark

140‧‧‧ Fluid path (access)

150‧‧‧ entrance

155‧‧‧reservoir

200‧‧‧Collecting components

210‧‧‧(first) layer

214‧‧‧(second) layer

217‧‧‧ Organization of cleaning protrusions or components

220‧‧‧ bottom layer

A‧‧‧ brush segment

B‧‧‧Removable reservoir section

The features and advantages of the present invention will be described in more detail in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention.

1 and 2 are schematic perspective front and rear views of an oral care implement, such as a toothbrush, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a toothbrush construction in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a top plan view showing the construction of a toothbrush head according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the toothbrush head shown in Figure 4 taken along line 5-5;

Figure 6 is a top plan view showing the construction of a toothbrush when an abradable top layer is exposed to a bottom layer;

Figure 7 is a top plan view of an alternative toothbrush construction when an abradable top layer is exposed to a bottom layer;

Figure 8 is a schematic fragmentary cross-sectional view of an alternative toothbrush construction in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view showing an alternative configuration of the toothbrush head shown in Figure 5.

100. . . Oral health equipment

105. . . Neck portion

101. . . head

107. . . The front part of the toothbrush

103. . . Grip

111. . . Toothed component

A. . . Brush segment

B. . . Removable reservoir segment

Claims (26)

An oral health care device comprising: an oral care zone having an oral member attached to a thickness that is lowered during use of the oral cavity; a plurality of dentifrice elements disposed opposite the oral member; a receiver coupled to The oral member receives an oral fluid; a fluid path that conducts through the receiver; and a reservoir that conducts through the fluid path to retain an oral fluid; wherein the oral member comprises a first layer and a soluble The second layer. The oral health care device of claim 1, wherein the receiver comprises a nonwoven mat or film. The oral health care device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises a replaceable cartridge. The oral health care device of claim 1, further comprising a first segment containing the oral health care zone and the fluid path, and a second segment containing the reservoir, wherein the second segment is The release is attached to the first segment. The oral health device of claim 1, wherein the oral member comprises a plurality of tissue cleaning protrusions extending therefrom to engage the oral tissue. The oral health device of claim 1, wherein the fluid path comprises a fibrous material, ceramic, porous plastic, or a combination thereof to provide capillary recovery of an oral fluid. The oral health device of claim 1, wherein the second layer comprises a plurality of tissue cleaning protrusions extending therefrom to engage the oral tissue. The oral health device of claim 7, wherein the first layer of the oral member comprises a test indicator that identifies when the oral health care device is ready for oral fluid testing. The oral health care device of claim 1, wherein the oral member comprises a mark for indicating when the receptacle should be provided for testing. The oral health care device of claim 1, wherein the receiver is disposed in or adjacent to the oral health care area. An oral health care device comprising: a collecting member for collecting an oral fluid; a plurality of dentifrice elements disposed opposite the collection member; a reservoir for storing the oral fluid; a fluid path for fluidly connecting the collection member to the reservoir to provide the oral fluid to the reservoir a receptacle; at least one indicia providing a mark when a predetermined amount of oral fluid is stored in the reservoir; and a water soluble layer positioned over the indicia, wherein the water soluble layer covers the indicia . The oral health care device of claim 11, wherein the receptacle comprises a replaceable crucible. The oral health care implement of claim 11, further comprising a receiver coupled to the collection member to receive the oral fluid. The oral health care device of claim 13, further comprising a first segment containing the oral health care zone and the fluid path, and a second segment containing the reservoir, wherein the second segment is The release is attached to the first segment. The oral health device of claim 13, wherein the fluid path comprises a fibrous material, ceramic, porous plastic, or a combination thereof to provide capillary recovery of an oral fluid. The oral health care device of claim 11, wherein the water-soluble layer comprises a plurality of tissue cleaning protrusions extending therefrom to engage the oral tissue. The oral health care implement of claim 11, wherein the water soluble layer is comprised of a material that is gradually removed or dissolved during use to expose the indicia beneath the layer. The oral health care device of claim 11, wherein the water-soluble layer is made of a water-soluble polymer. The oral health care device of claim 11, wherein the marker is selected from the group consisting of: color, alphanumeric characters, graphical symbols, and combinations thereof. An oral health care device comprising: an oral care zone having an oral member attached to a thickness that is lowered during oral use; a receiver coupled to the oral member to receive an oral fluid; a fluid path Circulating in the receiver; a reservoir that conducts through the fluid path to retain an oral fluid; a plurality of tissue cleaning protrusions extending from the oral member to engage the oral tissue; a plurality of dentifrice elements disposed opposite the tissue cleaning tabs; wherein the buccal member comprises a plurality of layers, at least one layer comprising a plurality of tissue cleaning tabs extending therefrom for engaging the oral tissue, and a layer of the oral member A test indicator is included that identifies when the oral health device is ready for oral fluid testing. The oral health care device of claim 20, wherein the receiver comprises a nonwoven mat or film. The oral health care device of claim 20, wherein the receptacle comprises a replaceable crucible. The oral health care device of claim 20, further comprising a first segment containing the oral health care zone and the fluid path, and a second segment containing the reservoir, wherein the second segment is The release is attached to the first segment. The oral health device of claim 20, wherein the fluid path comprises a fibrous material, ceramic, porous plastic, or a combination thereof to provide capillary recovery of an oral fluid. The oral health care device of claim 20, wherein the oral member comprises a first layer, and the first member is etched to expose the first The second soluble layer of the layer, and a marker for indicating when the reservoir should be provided for testing. An oral health care device comprising: a collection member for collecting an oral fluid; a reservoir for storing the oral fluid; a fluid path for fluidly connecting the collection member to the reservoir to An oral fluid is provided to the reservoir; at least one indicia providing a marker when a predetermined amount of oral fluid is stored in the reservoir; a plurality of tissue cleaning projections extending from the collection member to engage the oral tissue; and plural A tooth cleaning element disposed opposite the tissue cleaning tabs; wherein the collection member includes a layer positioned above the indicia that covers the underlying indicia.